Sat. October 4, 2025
By Jerry Nunn
Disney's The Lion King and it's with good reason that it's the mane attraction in town in October. The king of the jungle has had a long journey to the Chicago stage since the 1994 animated film of the same name and audiences only have three weeks to see it at the Cadillac Palace Theatre before the production leaves for new territory.
The story follows a lion cub named Simba who is experiencing growing pains in the Pride Lands of Tanzania. His passage to becoming king is met with obstacles from his uncle and other enemies. Simba gets by with a little help from his friends and eventually earns his crown in the end. It's a simple yet complicated tale that was popular as a cartoon and is brought to life as a musical with phenomenal execution.
The Lion King won six Tony Awards in 1998 and took home multiple trophies from other theater-focused organizations. Julie Taymor's creativity flows throughout a production that deserves all of the accolades. The five songs written by Tim Rice and Elton John are masterpieces only make the material soar even more.
From the top of the first act, when the animals march down the aisles, the audience quickly realizes they are in for a treat. The Lion King is a feast for the eyes and has a heart of gold.
There's not a weak link in the talented cast with a wide range of experts who know the material well. Peter Hargrave wins best Halloween costume in the role of Scar and Nick LaMedica is a standout as the fine-feathered Zazu.
The puppetry element is conveyed with both shadow and rod puppets to make outstanding stage pictures. Combining this with interactive imagery in an immersive environment is why this beloved show has toured North America for over 23 years, supported by diehard fans.
Little ones may struggle with a two-hour and 30-minute musical, but most will be mesmerized the entire time. There's plenty for the adults, such as the multilayered characters being inspired by William Shakespeare's Hamlet and the outstanding physiques of the dancers.
Pride Rock benefits from the diversity of the animals and the multicultural cast as well. The mane attraction is the tribe of lions, but it becomes so much more thanks to secondary characters such as Puma and Timon. Unexpected entrances and exits from the front of house, along with percussionists positioned in the balcony, aid the environment and escapism found within this piece. Ticket holders will be transported to another world where good triumphs over evil and a battle with self-doubt is won.
This endeavor could have gotten lost in the jungle, but instead is lifted to a higher plain by an incredible team. Paws up for The Lion King set to rule over the Windy City for three weeks.
Migrate over to the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 West Randolph Street, from Oct. 3-19, 2025. Purchase tickets at broadwayinchicago.com before the herd marches on.
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